The Bottineau pioneer. (Bottineau, N.D.) 1885-1895, 1887-06-09
to expect. Age cannot expect to com.

Major Henderson, my niece and | will
accompany you to the falls. They are
within a quarter of an hours walk from
here, and I can give You a few hints
about the neighborhood as we 60
along"
Mi. Browne would only be too pleas
ed.
Maude walked on by her uncle's side,
experiencing a mixture of joy and
alarm. She was so delighted to hear
that dear voice again; SO fearful least
her lovers stratagem should be dis
covered!
MI. Browne noticed her agitation,
and was careful to divert Major
Henderson's attention from his niece,
in case her confusion should betray the
secret. The trio had to ross q stream
by means of steppingg-stones. The
stranger offered to assist Maude.
Managing to keep his back to Major
Henderson, Mr. Browne, alias Lieut..
Mapleson, tenderly pressed Maude's
yielding hand, and with a world of ex-
preston in his blue eyes, whispered:
BE careful, my darling, and all will
yet be we'll with u.s."
The next morning MI, Browne called
on Major Henderson. ! 81 have just re-
ceived these, and I thought you would
perhaps like to look at them" he said,
producing a packet of periodicals.
Major Henderson was glad to avail
himself of the offer, as current litera-
ture was rather difficult to procure in
so-out-of-the-way a place.
After a little further conversation,
Mr.. Browne was saskedtif he would
| care to join the uncle and niece in their
morning ramble. Again he would be
only too pleased.
When the trio had gone some dis
lance, Major Henderson, wishing to
enjoy a quiet, half-hour read, suggested
that he should sit down and rest a lit
tie, while Maude conducted Mr.. Browne
to a little spot close BY. whence a good
| view of Snowdon could be obtained.
II would fain, like you, rest a little"
replied Mr.. Browne; but as the day is
SO unusually clear 1 feel I must make
an effort to take advantage of it, es-
pecially as this young lady has kindly
consented to act as my guide" And
so MI. Browne hobbled of, with Maude
walking patiently beside him.
As SOC as the trees had hidden the
lovers from view, Jack drew Maude to
him, while she, half-laughing and half
crying, stroked his. long, gray beard.
ooh, Jack, whatever made you come
like thisP What do you intend to dop"
This, my sweetness; and the bold
lover drew from his pocket a marriage
license and a wedding-ring. Half-play.
fully the gallant lieutenant removed
Maude's glove and slipped on the ring.
"What a dear, little hand it looks!" be
cried, rapturousiy. and how happy ]
shall be when I can oalAi.ada-y oHnes
my sweet, little wife. p
A slight sound fell on their ears, and
looking up they beheld Major Hasder-
son not a hundred yards off
Maude would beer gfateful 3
the earth had it opened at that moment
to receive her, but as it showed nc
signs of accommodating her, she dis.
engaged herself from MI. Browne!
embrace and hastily handed him back
the ring. . :
Mr.. Browne was equal to the occas
ion, although he had grave misgivings,
as he hobbled toward Major Henderson.
"Were you fastening to join usl
You see we haven't got far. I am {
wretched walker at the best of times
and in such scenery as this, one feels
forced to pause frequently to lool
around"
II expected to meet you coming
back" explained the major. But ]
was looking for yon in that direction
indicating another path more to the
right. II was quite surprised when ]
saw you coming toward me-"
With what feelings Of relief did the
lovers listen to the majors innocent
remarks!
At their early dinner the major drew
from his pocket a letter which he had
received by the mornings post and had
forgotten to read. 'sWith a polite
Excuse me, my DEAR" to his niece,
he hastily glanced at the contents. Il
must leave for London by the II o'clock
train tomorrow morning." he ex,
claimed. ''This letter is of the utmost
Importance. How stupid of me to
have delayed reading til"
"Am 1 to accompany you, unclep'
asked Maude, family. %7!
"No, no, my dear; there is nc need
for you to do that. I shall be back
here by the evening of the following
day."
The major was very ]preoccupied un-
til dinner was over, but as Maude had
also much food for reflection, silence
was agreeable to both.
Il wonder if I could do anything for
Mr.. Browne while I am in townp''
queried the major. my DEAR" turn!
ing to Maude, '.just write a little note
to him, asking him to step. over for a
minute. You@know we ;half-promised
to show him the way to Fairy Glen
this afternoon. I don't feel inclined
for any more walking myself; but there
is nc reason why you shouldn't accom-.
pany him, If you are not tired and he
is agreeable to the arrangement"
Maude's note quickly brought Mr..
Browne, and the lovers were soon on
their waytt to Fairy Glen.
my darling, we are in luck's way!'
exclaimed Jack. "Your uncle's absence
will make matters as simple as an
ABB G guide. I shall have Tomorrow
to make the necessary arrangements.
We can be married the following morn.
ing, and by the time your uncle returns
in the evening we shall be miles away
from here.
Maude asquiesced rather reluctantly.
She loved Jack dearly; but still she had
some compunction about deceiving hel
uncle, who, with the exception of the
unaccountable obstinacy he had shown
toward her lover, had always been
ready to humor her. Jack, however,